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ERIC Number: ED424318
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1998-Aug
Pages: 33
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
City Views on Drug Abuse: A Washington, DC Survey.
Hart (Peter D.) Research Associates, Inc., Washington, DC.; Drug Strategies, Washington, DC.
A telephone survey was done of a representative sample of 801 adults in the District of Columbia. The survey explored District residents' attitudes about the current situation in the city and in their neighborhoods, with specific emphasis on their attitudes toward drug abuse and drug policy in the District of Columbia. The margin of error for the survey is 3.5%. In July, a national survey of 1,002 adults was conducted to gauge perceptions of the District of Columbia and its residents among all Americans. The margin of error for that survey is 3.2%. Only 25% of District residents are very or fairly satisfied with the way things are going, and fully one-third expect to move out of the District within the next 5 years. Sixty-one percent of respondents thought that the District had a negative image elsewhere in the country. Drugs are a direct personal concern of many District residents, 55% of whom have seen or heard about drugs being sold in their own neighborhoods. Many (46%) believe that controlling drug dealing would be one of the most effective ways to improve the overall situation of the city. Sixty-three percent said that the current level of funding is not adequate, and 46% would be willing to pay higher taxes (16%) or shift funds from other programs (30%) to deal with the drug problem. Willingness to pay higher taxes decreases as income declines. Overall, respondents had doubts about the effectiveness of drug treatment programs, but they favored them over criminal justice alternatives. Nationally, the image of the city was more positive than the perception of its citizens, but Americans in general are not as optimistic about the future of the city as its residents are. Differences are also apparent between black and white residents of the District, with whites more likely to be concerned about the public schools. Improving education was a high priority for District residents; 42% overall selected improving public schools as a top priority. Although education is the main concern of District residents, reducing crime is a major concern that is linked to drug issues. The survey and response information are included. (Contains 11 graphs and 7 tables.) (SLD)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Fannie Mae Foundation, Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Hart (Peter D.) Research Associates, Inc., Washington, DC.; Drug Strategies, Washington, DC.
Identifiers - Location: District of Columbia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A